Airline flight operations support

ABSTRACT

A method of displaying an electronic report on a GUI that includes receiving a user identifier and an authentication identifier associated with a user gaining access to a first application; displaying, on the GUI, a first window associated with the first application; displaying, via the first window, a listing of monitored flights; receiving, via the first window, a request; accessing, using the first application, a second application and a third application that are different from each other and the first application; updating the displayed listing of monitored flights using information accessed from the second and third applications; wherein a flight has a delay greater than two hours; and receiving, via the first window, a request for the electronic report for the flight; displaying, on the GUI and via a second window, the electronic report for the flight that includes information from each of the second and third applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priorityto, U.S. Application No. 62/685,565, filed Jun. 15, 2018, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Generally, business entities store information across multipleapplications and operating systems that access a variety of databases.For complex business entities, the volume of information and the varietyof databases in which the information is stored is so large thataccessing the information is burdensome or impossible. For example,airline carriers are responsible for planning and pricing routes,handling and tracking luggage, maintaining the aircraft, preparing theaircraft for use, managing gate availability, and staffing the flightswith appropriate personnel, among many other tasks. Thus, informationassociated with the tasks is spread among multiple databases that areaccessible via multiple applications. For example, the status of anaircraft is available via a first application managed by the airline.Meanwhile, information regarding the status of employees that arescheduled to use the aircraft is provided and tracked by a secondapplication that is distinct from the first application. While bothpieces of information are available online, or at least electricallyaccessible via a network, to access each requires an employee to knowthe location at which it is available. This requires the employee toidentify the appropriate applications or database and then find therelevant information.

Finding the information often includes opening an application and thendrilling down to a specific document or screen by clicking on folders,files, or selectable buttons until the relevant information isdisplayed. An alternative is a searching tool that searches theapplication. Conventional searching tools, however, generally return alisting of options to the user (e.g., employee) for their review andselection. For example, if a user does a field search, then they willreceive multiple links to documents that might be relevant. The user isthen required to know which document is correct, or click on everydocument and review each, to find the relevant information. That is, theburden of finding information is on the user.

Moreover, conventional searching tools generally search within oneapplication. If the user is active in a first application and needsinformation from a second application, the user is generally required toopen the second application and then perform a search within the secondapplication. Alternatively, the information could be added to the firstapplication, but that process requires the ingestion of the informationby the first application and the development of new features within thefirst application, which is slow and creates potential problems withaccuracy of information across applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system that includes acomputer having a graphical user interface adapted to display a window,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the computer of FIG. 1 ,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram for the system of FIG. 1 , according to anexample embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F together form a diagrammaticillustration of a method of operating the system of FIGS. 1-3 ,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a window displayed on the graphical userinterface of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment, wherein thewindow includes a report.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of another window displayed on the graphicaluser interface of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of yet another window displayed on thegraphical user interface of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a portion of the report of FIG. 5 ,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of yet another window displayed on thegraphical user interface of FIG. 1 , according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is diagrammatic illustration of a method of operating the systemof FIGS. 1-3 and 5-9 , according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of a computing device, or node,for implementing one or more example embodiments of the presentdisclosure, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , a system 10 includes aRAF application 15 that is at least partially stored on a computer 20; acomputer 22; and one or more applications 25 all of which are operablyconnected via a network 30. Generally, the RAF application 15 isconfigured to present a window 35 on a GUI 20 a of the computer 20 to auser 40 of the computer 20.

In an example embodiment, the RAF application 15 is an application thataccesses information within any one of the one or more applications 25on behalf of the user 40. Generally, the RAF application 15 retrievesinformation regarding the maintenance and scheduling of an aircraftfleet 45 during flight operations. Specifically, the RAF application 15manages the maintenance and scheduling of an aircraft 50 that isassociated with a flight path 55, flight duration, and other flightdetails for the aircraft 50 as it leaves a departure location 60 andarrives at a destination location 65. The RAF application 15 retrievesthe information in multiple ways, for example searching through files(e.g., WebRef) stored within the one or more applications 25 andretrieving information from one or more databases. The RAF application15 is capable of operating across the one or more applications 25. Insome embodiments, one portion of the RAF application 15 is stored in thecomputer 20 and another portion is stored in the computer 22.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2 with continuingreference to FIG. 1 , the computer 20 includes the GUI 20 a, a computerprocessor 20 b, and a computer readable medium 20 c operably coupledthereto. Instructions accessible to, and executable by, the computerprocessor 20 b are stored on the computer readable medium 20 c. Adatabase 20 d is also stored in the computer readable medium 20 c.Generally, the GUI 20 a is capable of displaying a plurality of windows,or screens, to the user 40. The computer 20 also includes an inputdevice 20 e and an output device 20 f. In some embodiments, the inputdevice 20 e and the output device 20 f are the GUI 20 a. In someembodiments, the user 40 provides inputs to the system 10 via the windowor screen 35 that is displayed on the GUI 20 a. However, the inputdevice 20 e is a microphone in some embodiments and the output device 20f is a speaker. In several example embodiments, the computer 20 is, orincludes, a telephone, a personal computer, a personal digitalassistant, a cellular telephone or mobile phone, other types oftelecommunications devices, other types of computing devices, and/or anycombination thereof. In several example embodiments, the computer 20includes a plurality of remote user devices.

In some embodiments, the computer 22 is similar or identical to thecomputer 20 but is remote from the computer 20 and therefore referencenumerals used to refer to the features of the computer 22 that aresubstantially identical to the features of the computer 20 willcorrespond to the reference numerals used to refer to the features ofthe computer 20 except that the prefix for the reference numerals usedto refer to the features of the computer 20, that is, 20, will bereplaced by the prefix of the computer 22, that is, 22.

In an example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the RAFapplication 15 is in communication with the one or more applications 25.In some embodiments, the one or more applications 25 include a firstapplication such as an advance Baggage System Application (ABS) 25 a; asecond application such as a Ground Event Tracker Application (GET) 25b; a third application such as a PRIME Application 25 c; a fourthapplication such as a Common Services Application 25 d; a fifthapplication such as a Flight Hub Application 25 e; a sixth applicationsuch as an Airport 360 Application 25 f, a seventh application such as aYADA application 25 g; and an eighth application such as a WebrefApplication 25 h, among others. In one embodiment, the ABS application25 a stores and manages bag information; the GET application 25 b storesand manages passenger info and flight information; the PRIME application25 c stores and manages flight information and bag information; theCommon Services Application 25 d stores and manages flight informationand bag information; the Flight Hub application 25 e stores and managesflight information; the Airport 360 Application 25 f stores and managesflight information, passenger information, and crew information, theYADA application 25 g stores and manages data relating to boardingpasses, flights, and standby lists; and the Webref application 25 hstores and manages (e.g., access on demand) information stored in or ata webreference. In an example embodiment, each of the applications 25a-25 h is stored in a computer similar to the computer 20 in that itincludes a processor, computer readable medium, and a database. In someembodiments, each of the applications 25 a-25 h accesses informationfrom a data source that forms a portion of the one or more applications25. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the applications 25a-25 h access information from a data source that is separate from andapart from the applications 25 a-25 h. In some embodiments, more thanone application accesses information from one data source.

Together, FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate a method 200 of using the RAFapplication 15 and/or the system 10. Starting with FIG. 4A, the method200 includes the user 40 logging into the RAF application 15 at step202; checking flight numbers and departure/destination airports at step205; looking up scheduled departure times at step 210; looking up tailinformation at step 215; comparing the tail information for changes atstep 220; determining whether the tail number has changed at step 225;if yes, providing a visual indication on the GUI 20 a at step 230; ifnot or after the step 230; capturing delay information at step 235;checking the flight status and adding remarks as necessary at step 240;and looking up the out of service (“OTS”) status of a fleet at step 245.

Turning to FIG. 4B and after the step 245 (shown in FIG. 4A), the method200 also includes the RAF application 15 determining if a monitoredaircraft is OTS at step 250; if not then the RAF application 15 monitorsa status of a RON/Curfew and a slot of the flight/destination at step255; if it is determined that the monitored aircraft is OTS at step 250then the RAF application 15 captures the OTS status at step 260 anddetermines whether the aircraft is linked or unlinked at step 265; if itis unlinked, then the next step is step 255; if it is linked then theRAF application 15 displays the OTS information next to the monitoredflight at step 270. The method 200 also includes, after the step 270,determining whether the delay is more than 60 minutes at step 275; ifnot, then the next step is the step 255; if the delay is more than 60minutes, then the method 200 includes providing a visual indicator onthe GUI 20 a and capturing flight crew time at step 280; highlightingthe built-in cost calculator at step 285; and determining if there areother options at step 290. If there are no other options, then the nextstep is the step 255. If there are other options, then the next step isthe step 390.

Turning to FIG. 4C and after the step 240 (shown in FIG. 4A), the method200 includes checking the weight and balance status of the flight atstep 300; determining if the center of gravity (“CG”) is the mosteconomical at step 305; if no, then contacting central load planning atstep 310; after the step 310, the method 200 includes determiningwhether there is a restricting minimum equipment list (“MEL”) at step315; if yes, then a placard/swap is performed or the system 10 continuesas is at step 320. If it is determined that there is not a restrictingMEL at step 315 or if it is determined that the CG is the mosteconomical at the step 305, then the next step is monitoring for finalradio closeout at step 325 and the method 200 is completed.

Turning to FIG. 4D and after the step 255 (shown in FIG. 4B) the method200 includes continuing to the reporting tab at step 335; determiningwhether the flight is delayed more than two hours at step 340; if yes,then advising a manager to send the two-hour report at step 345 and thensending the report at step 347; if no, and/or after the step 255,pulling and checking the flight route at step 350. After the step 350,the method 200 includes determining whether the route is economical atstep 355; if no, then checking the enroute weather condition at step 360and then offering the second most economical route at step 365. Afterthe step 365 or after the it is determined that the route is economicalat the step 355, the method 200 includes checking the cost index at step370; determining whether the cost index is the most economical at step375; if no, then advising the most economist cost index at step 380, andthen adjusting/continuing as planned at step 385. In some embodiments,if it is determined that the cost index is the most economical at thestep 375, then the next step is the step 385.

Turning to FIG. 4E and after the step 290 (shown in FIG. 4B), the method200 includes showing the options on the GUI 20 a and the cost of eachdecision at step 390; receiving selection of one option as the newoption at step 392; and sending a message to the maintenance manager atstep 395; sending a message to the crew coordinator at step 400; and/orsending a message to dispatch at step 405. After any or all of the steps395, 400, and 405, the method 200 includes determining whether thedispatch/others agree to the new option at step 410; if yes, thenapplying the new option and continuing at step 415 and sending the newoption to the reporting tab at step 420; and if dispatch/others do notagree to the new option at the step 410, then returning to the step 390.

Turning to FIG. 4F and after the step 335 (shown in FIG. 4D), the method200 includes routing the cost-index analysis at step 425 and thenchecking dispatcher compliance at step 430; checking flight crewcompliance at step 435 and then generating a message of non-complianceto flight department at step 440. Moreover, after the step 425 themethod 200 also includes performing an irregularoperations/delay/cancellation analysis at step 445; preparing debriefand/or root cause analysis and saving it as a lesson-learned at step450; and triggering an alarm to network planning/flight/station ifoccurrence is greater than a predetermined amount, such as three timesat step 455 and the method 200 is completed.

At the step 202 and returning back to FIG. 4A, the user 40 logs into theRAF application 15. In some embodiments, the step 202 includes the RAFapplication 15 receiving a user identifier and an authenticationidentifier. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or moreapplications 25 are configured to require receipt of a first useridentifier and a first authentication identifier to allow the user 40 togain direct access to information within the application. That is, theuser 40 is generally required to login to each, or at least more thanone, of the applications 25 a-25 h. After the system 10 receives thefirst authentication identifier and the first user identifier, the user40 is provided direct access to the RAF application 15. That is, theuser 40 is permitted to view information within the application 15 viawindows associated with the application 15. In some embodiments, thefirst user identifier is a username, and the first authenticationidentifier is a password. Generally, gaining direct access relates tothe ability to open the application and view the information as it isdisplayed in the application. In other embodiments, the gaining directaccess to an application includes the ability to maneuver or control thedisplay of screens associated with the application.

At the step 205, the RAF application 15 checks the flight number anddeparture/destination airports. In some embodiments, the RAF application15 accesses the flight number and departure/destination airports from afirst application from the one or more applications 25. In someembodiments, the RAF application 15 displays the screen 35 on the GUI 20a as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a screen 460 as illustrated in FIG. 6 ,and/or a screen 465 illustrated in FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, thescreen 35 includes a flight summary report 330 that includes a “FLT”column 500 listing flight numbers, a “FROM” column 505 that coincideswith an origination location, a “TO” column 510 that coincides with adestination location, a “SKD-L” column 515 indicating a scheduleddeparture time, a “SKD-Z” column 520 indicating a scheduled arrivaltime, an “Old Tail” column 525, a “New Tail” column 530; a “Delay”column 535, a “Status” column 540; a “New ETR” column 545 that indicatesa new estimated time of return, a “CA MOT” column 550, a “FO MOT” column555, a “FB MOT” column 560, a “Notes” column 565, a “RON?” column 570, a“Curfew?” column 575, a “Slotted?” column 580, and a “RCA” column 585for each flight in a listing of flights 590. Moreover, the screen 35includes a selectable “Update” button 595 associated with updating theinformation displayed in the columns 500-585 and/or the listing offlights 590, a “Delay Report” button 600 associated with creating adelay report, and a selectable “Cancel Report” button 605 associatedwith cancelling a report. As illustrated, the flight number is detailedin the “FLT” column 500, and the departure/destination airports aredetailed in the “FROM” column 505 and the “TO” column 510.

In some embodiments, the screen 460 (FIG. 6 ) includes a flight delaysummary report 607 that includes the “FLT” column 500, the “FROM” column505, the “TO” column 510, the “SKD-L” column 515, the “SKD-Z” column520, the “Old Tail” column 525, the “New Tail” column 530; the “Delay”column 535, the “Status” column 540; the “New ETR” column 545, the “CAMOT” column 550, the “FO MOT” column 555, the “FB MOT” column 560, andthe “Notes” column 565. Generally, the flight delay summary report 607is similar to the flight summary report 330 except the flight delaysummary report 607 is limited to flights that have been delayed, aredelayed, or have been delayed on one day while the flight summary report330 includes all flights on one day. That is, the listing of flights 590listed in the report 607 are limited to flights that have been delayed,are delayed, or have been delayed on one day.

In some embodiments, the screen 465 (FIG. 7 ) includes an equipmentstatus report 610 that includes a “Fleet” column 615, a “Tail” column620, a “Station” column 625, an “ETR” column 630, a “Linked Flights”column 635, and a “Remarks” column 640. Generally, the equipment statusreport 610 includes a listing of aircraft 645 and a status of eachand/or a listing of aircraft subject to an existing, past, or potentialdelay.

At the step 205 and in one embodiment, the RAF application 15 populatesand/or updates the FLT column 500, the FROM column 505, and the TOcolumn 510.

At the step 210, the RAF application 15 looks up the scheduled departuretimes. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 accesses thescheduled departure times via a second application from the one or moreapplications 25, with the second application being different from thefirst application. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 displaysthe scheduled departure times in the column SKD-L column 520 on thescreen 35.

At the step 215, the RAF application 15 looks up tail information. Insome embodiments, the RAF application 15 access the tail information viaa third application from the one or more applications 25, with the thirdapplication being different from the first and/or second application. Insome embodiments, the RAF application 15 displays the tail informationin the Old Tail column 520 and/or the New Tail column 525. In someembodiments and at the step 215, the RAF application 15 populates theOld Tail column with the tail numbers in the New Tail column 525 andthen displays the new tail information in the New Tail column 525.

At the step 220, the RAF application 15 compares the tail informationfor changes. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 compares thetail information to the tail information via a fourth application fromthe one or more applications 25. However, in other embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 compares the information in the New Tail column 525 tothe information in the Old Tail column 520 to compare the tailinformation.

At the step 225, the RAF application 15 determines whether the tailnumber has changed. In some embodiments, the determination includes acomparison between the two sets of tail numbers—an existing or old tailnumber in column 520 and a new or updated tail number in column 525.

At the step 230 and when the tail number has changed, the RAFapplication 15 provides a visual indication on the GUI 20 a. In someembodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the RAF application 15highlights a cell, such cells 530 a and 530 c, or the new tail numberlisted in the new tail column 525 to provide a visual indication on theGUI 20 a. The data within a highlighted cell can be bolded, thebackground of the cell can be hatched or highlighted, or another visualindicator can be provided.

At the step 235, the RAF application 15 captures delay information. Insome embodiments, the RAF application 15 accesses and captures delayinformation via a fifth application that is different than one or moreof the first, second, third, and fourth applications. In someembodiments, the RAF application 15 displays the number of minutesassociated with a delay of a flight, such as for example as illustratedin cell 535 a. As illustrated, flight number 1199 has a delay of 75minutes.

At the step 240, the RAF application 15 checks the flight status anddisplays a status in the “STATUS” column 535. In some embodiments, theRAF application 15 looks up the flight status via a sixth applicationfrom the one or more applications 25. For example, the status for theflight number 1199 is ETD or “Estimated Time of Departure.” However,other statuses include “OFF”; “OUT”; “DCN”, and “PLN”, which indicates aplanning advisory.

At the step 245, the RAF application 15 looks up the out of service(OTS) status of all aircraft, such as all aircraft within a widebodyfleet. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 looks up informationrelating to OTS aircraft via a seventh application from the one or moreapplications 25.

Turning back to FIG. 4B and after the step 245, the RAF application 15determines if each, or at least one aircraft, is out of service at thestep 250. As noted above and in some embodiments, the RAF application 15looks up the information relating to OTS aircraft using the seventhapplication.

At the step 255, the RAF application 15 monitors the status ofRON/Curfew and slot of the flight/destination. In some embodiments, theRAF application 15 looks up information regarding the RON/Curfew in aneighth application from the one or more applications 25.

At the step 260, and if the aircraft is OTS at the step 250, the RAFapplication 15 captures the OTS status.

At the step 265, the RAF application 15 determines if the monitoredaircraft is linked or unlinked. In some embodiments, the monitoredaircraft being linked or unlinked relates to whether it is required theaircraft is scheduled to be used for a different flight that departsfrom its scheduled destination location. In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 determines if the monitored aircraft is linked orunlinked using an application from one of the plurality of applications25. If the monitored flight is not linked or unlinked, then the nextstep is the step 255.

At the step 270 and when the monitored aircraft is linked, then the RAFapplication 15 displays the OTS information next to the monitoredflight. For example and as illustrated in the screen 465 of FIG. 7 , theOTS information is displayed in the “Remarks” column 640.

At the step 275, the RAF application 15 determines whether the flighthas been delayed for more than 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 determines whether the flight has been delayed for morethan 60 minutes by accessing one application in one of the one or moreapplications 25 and/or referencing the data in the “delay” column 535 ofthe screen 35 illustrated in FIG. 5 .

At the step 280, the RAF application 15 provides a visual indicationrelating to the delay on the GUI 20 a and captures flight crew time. Asillustrated in FIG. 5 , one example of providing a visual indication isby highlighting a cell red when the delay exceeds 60 minutes. Forexample and as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the flight 1199 has a delay of 75minutes and the cell 535 a is highlighted red. However, other types ofvisual indicators may be used, such as for example a bolded text, etc.In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 access the flight crew timeand populates the CA MOT column 550, the FO MOT column 555, and FB MOTcolumn 560. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 accesses theflight crew time via one or more of the applications 25.

At the step 285, the RAF application 15 references the built-in costcalculator. In some embodiments, the cost calculator calculates the costassociated with a flight. For example, the calculator may calculate thecost associated with the crew, maintenance, aircraft depreciation,marketing and advertising, airport fees, etc. associated with a flightor a delayed flight. As the delay increases, costs associated withdelaying connecting flights and any ripple effects caused by the delayare calculated. For example, the cost of a significant delay may includea cost associated with providing travel vouchers to specific or allpassengers, providing accommodations to specific or all passengers,airport fees for arriving close to an airport curfew, etc. Anotherexample cost is associated with replacing a scheduled crew with astand-by or reserve crew or swapping the scheduled crew with anothercrew.

At the step 290, the RAF application 15 determines whether there areother options. For example, the RAF application 15 may determine, via anapplication in the plurality of applications 25, that a crew replacementis available past MOT time in case a crew replacement becomes necessaryand recommends the option of replacing the crew. Another example of anoption is for the RAF application 15 to provide contingency travel plansto the passengers, such as rebook them on a different flight or apartnering airline, via one or more of the application in the pluralityof applications 25.

Turning back to FIG. 4C and after the step 240, the RAF application 15checks the weight and balance status of a monitored flight at the step300. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 checks the weight andbalance status via one application from the one or more applications 25.

At the step 305, the RAF application 15 determines whether the center ofgravity (“CG”) is most economical. In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 determines whether the CG is most economical via oneapplication from the one or more applications 25.

At the step 310 and when the CG is not the most economical, the RAFapplication 15 contacts central load planning. In some embodiments, theRAF application 15 automatically sends an email, text, or othercommunication to a contact in central load planning to alert centralload planning that the CG is not the most economical.

At the step 315, the RAF application 15 determines if there is arestricting minimum equipment list (“MEL”). In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 accesses an application from the one or more applications25 during the step 315.

At the step 320, the RAF application 15 performs a placard/swap orcontinues as is. At the step 320 and when there is a restricting MELsthat are inoperative, an inoperative placard should be placed near theappropriate switch, etc. During the step 320, the RAF application 15indicates that a placard should be placed or the aircraft should beswapped at the step 320.

At the step 325, the RAF application 15 monitors for final radiocloseout. Generally, the step 325 occurs after the RAF application 15determines that the CG is the most economical at the step 305 or afterdetermining that there are no restricting MELs at step 315. In someembodiments, the final radio closeout is an indication that the aircrafthas cleared the terminal and/or airport. In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 monitors for final radio closeout relating to a flight oraircraft via one application in the one or more applications 25.

Turning back to FIG. 4D and after the step 255, the RAF application 15continues to a reporting tab at step 335.

At the step 340, the RAF application 15 determines whether a monitoredflight is delayed more than two hours via the one or more applications25.

At the step 345 and when the monitored flight is delayed more than twohours, the RAF application 15 advises a manager to send a 2-hour reportor a delay notification 70 as illustrated in FIG. 8 . In someembodiments, the RAF application 15 generates an alarm, which mayinclude a pop-up screen, an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a hapticalert, etc. In some embodiments, the delay report 70 is generated uponthe user selecting the button 600 (shown in FIG. 5 ). In someembodiments, the report 70 is generated and displayed in response to thecomputer 20 receiving an indication that the user selected the button600 while a specific flight from the listing of flights 590 is alsoselected. Generally, the report 70 is displayed via a screen 650 of theGUI 20 a.

At the step 347, the RAF application 15 sends the report 70. Once thereport 70 is finalized with all the required/necessary information, theuser 40 presses a selectable “Send the Report” button 655 that instructsthe system 10 to send the report 70 to the intended recipients. In someembodiments, the report 70 includes fillable text boxes to receiveinputs from the user 40. In some embodiments, one or more departmentanalysts are intended recipients of the report 70 so that they can lookdeeper into the root cause of the issue that caused the delay. In orderto keep the record of all delayed flights, the user 40 also presses theselectable “Save a Copy” button 660 in order to save the details of thereport to the database 20 d. In some embodiments, the departmentanalysts also have access to the database 20 d for a monthly root causeanalysis. Generally, the RAF application 15 accesses the saved copies ofthe delay notifications or reports 70 and spots trends relating tofleets, stations, aircraft, and flight-specific events. The steps 345and 247 are also completed for any cancellation of a flight. Generally,the report 70 details the total delay in minutes, the aircraft, flight,departure and arrival cities, the date, the scheduled departure time,the number of passengers, the number of total connections, the number ofmisconnects, whether it will remain overnight “RON”, whether it isassociated with any rubbed flights, includes a remarks portions, andincludes a maintenance, spares, crews, and airport/customs/customersportions.

At the step 350 and returning to FIG. 4D, which occurs when the RAFapplication 15 determines that the monitored flight is not delayed morethan two hours and/or after the step 255, the RAF application 15 pullsand checks the flight route using one application from the one or moreapplications 25.

At the step 355, the RAF application 15 determines if the route iseconomical. Generally, the RAF application 15 accesses informationand/or data within one application from the one or more applications 25during the step 355.

At the step 360 and when the route is not economical, the RAFapplication 15 checks the enroute weather condition. Generally, the RAFapplication 15 accesses information and/or data within one applicationfrom the one or more applications 25 during the step 360.

At the step 365, the RAF application 15 offers the second-mosteconomical route. Generally, the RAF application 15 accesses informationand/or data within one application from the one or more applications 25during the step 365.

At the step 370 and after the step 365 and/or when the route iseconomical at the step 360, the RAF application 15 checks the costindex.

At the step 375, the RAF application 15 determines if the cost index isthe most economical. A portion of an embodiment of the flight summaryreport 330 is illustrated in FIG. 9 . The portion of the flight summaryreport 330 illustrated in FIG. 9 provides details relating to flight 40,such as a cost index (“CI”). In this example, flight 40 has a CI of 95listed in a column 690 labeled CI. In some embodiments, the CI is anumber given to the Aircraft Flight Management System (FMS) to help itdetermine which is more important for the airline: Fuel or Time. Theconcept of cost, value or money, is represented as a digit (CI) andenter into the FMS. In some embodiments, the airplane or pilots adjustthe flight speed based on the CI. That is, the CI is a number thatoptimizes the speed of the airplane to meet the airline's operationsneeds. CI is the ratio of the cost of time to the cost of fuel. Thehigher the cost of time, the higher the value of CI and vice versa. Inother words, when a user inputs a higher number of CI into the FMS, itrepresents that the value of time is higher than the value of fuel forthe airline, so the flight speed increases to meet the airline's timeconstraints. Conversely, when a lower CI number is entered in the FMS,it means the value of fuel is higher than time for the airline, hencethe flight speed is lowered to burn less fuel. Generally, there aremultiple direct and indirect factors affecting the cost of time for anairline. For instance, cost of crew, maintenance, aircraft depreciation,marketing and advertising, airport fees and so on are all affectingfactors. The RAF application 15 automatically calculates all factors inthe background, and depending on the situation, it suggests a higher orlower CI number than appears on a flight plan that is associated withthe flight. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the flight AA40, from ChicagoInternational to Barcelona, Spain, is scheduled to depart at 20:00 Localtime on Aircraft Number 8AL. The flight is currently delayed for 120min. The Estimated Time of Return (ETR) is at 22:00 Local. Asillustrated, the ETR is 2 hours past the Scheduled Departure time.SKD-L=2000L and ETR=2200L. Based on this information, the RAFapplication 15 identifies a few problems such as the 3rd pilot MOT time(FB MOT) is falling within 2 hours of the ETR (Estimated Time ofReturn). This indication is based on the fact that flight crew workinghours are mandated and regulated by Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).As per FAR117, crew cannot work more than a specific period of timeduring each 24 hours as well as many other restrictions, which is oftenreferred to as Maximum Off Time (MOT). Moreover, the crew must be in theair by the MOT time. In response, the RAF application 15 has displayed avisual indicator in that the cell color of cell 550 a is shaded lightblue. As it gets closer to the departure time, the RAF application 15changes the cell color, alerting the user 40 to take corrective action.In some instances, the user 40 reaches out to crew scheduling to ensurecrew is available past MOT time in case a crew replacement becomesnecessary. However, in some embodiments, the RAF application 15 checksthe crew scheduling data automatically to ensure that there is a crewavailable past MOT time in case a crew replacement becomes necessary.The next identified problem is the connecting customers. The cell under“Connx” shows the number of connecting customers that are in jeopardy oflosing their connections. In some embodiments, the cell color is shadedto indicate severity or increase in the number of connecting customersthat are jeopardy of losing their connections. For example, as the delayincreases, the number of “Connx” increases and the RAF application 15changes the cell color from pink to red, drawing the user's attention totake further action. In some instances, the user 40 reaches out to thecustomer care team to provide contingency travel plans for thecustomers, such as rebooking them on a different flight or a partneringairline. However, in some embodiments, the RAF application 15 checks thecustomer care team data and/or otherwise initiates contact with thecustomer care team to provide contingency travel plans to the customerswith missed connections. Based on the described scenario, the RAFapplication 15 starts to calculate the cost of misconnecting passengers,the delayed flight and other impacting costs, and suggests a new CInumber. In some embodiments, the cell in the column 690 is a dark redand a new number appears. In some embodiments, the user 40 reaches outto the flight dispatcher to advise a higher CI that shows the importanceof time compared to the cost of fuel. However, in some embodiments, theRAF application 15 automatically updates the data displayed oraccessible to the flight dispatcher so that the CI number isautomatically updated with the flight dispatcher. In some embodiments,the visual displays provided by the RAF application 15, such as thecolored cells, provide a trigger point for the user 40 to take aspecific action that eliminates or minimizes the operational impact tothe overall airline operation.

At the step 380, and when the RAF application 15 has determined that thecost index is not economical, the RAF application 15 advises the mosteconomical cost index. As noted above, in some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 automatically updates the data displayed or accessible tothe flight dispatcher so that the CI number is automatically updatedwith the flight dispatcher.

At the step 385, the RAF application 15 adjusts and/or continues asplanned.

Turning back to FIG. 4E and after the step 290 (shown in FIG. 4B), theRAF application 15 shows the options on the screen 35 and the cost ofeach decision at the step 390. However, in some embodiments, a dialogbox or other screen is automatically over at least a portion of, forexample, the screen 35, 460, and/or 465. The dialog box is soautomatically displayed if a flight with a relatively severe problem(lengthy delay and/or cancellation) has been identified. In someembodiments and when the RAF application 15 is updating the listing offlights 590 continuously or at a frequency independent from the user 40selecting the button 595, the dialog box presenting the options isautomatically presented on the GUI 20 a in response to theidentification or classification of a flight having a severe problem.The dialog box may present, in whole or in part, the following threeoptions: (1) canceling the flight and the cost associated therewith; (2)delaying the flight and the cost associated therewith; and (3) ferryingan aircraft to be used by the flight and the cost associated therewith.However, other options are available. Generally, the RAF applicationaccesses one or more applications from the one or more applications 25during the step 290.

At the step 293, the RAF application 15 receives a selection of oneoption as the new option. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15receives an indication that the user 40 has selected via the GUI 20 aone of the options as the new option.

At the step 395, the RAF application 15 sends a message to a maintenancemanager regarding the new option. In some embodiments, the message issent via an email address, via a text alert, via a push notification,via an electronic chat box, and/or via another type of pop-up window ona GUI that the maintenance manager is viewing.

At the step 400, the RAF application 15 sends a message to the crewcoordinator regarding the new option. In some embodiments, the messageis sent via an email address, via a text alert, via a push notification,via an electronic chat box, and/or via another type of pop-up window ona GUI that the maintenance manager is viewing.

At the step 405, the RAF application 15 sends a message to thedispatcher regarding the new option. In some embodiments, the message issent via an email address, via a text alert, via a push notification,via an electronic chat box, and/or via another type of pop-up window ona GUI that the maintenance manager is viewing.

At the step 410, the RAF application 15 determines whether the dispatchor others agree to the new option. In some embodiments, the step 410includes identifying whether the system 10 has received, via an inputdevice, confirmation that the dispatch or other agree with the option.

At the step 415, the RAF application 15 applies the new option. In someembodiments and after the approval of the new option, the RAFapplication 15 applies the new option by updating information in one ormore of the applications 25. For example, when the new option is tocancel a flight, then the RAF application 15 updates the flight schedulevia one of the one or more applications 25 to note that the flight iscancelled. In some embodiments, applying the new option at the step 415also includes publishing the delayed and cancelled flights.

At the step 420, the RAF application 15 sends to the new option toreporting tab. In some embodiments, the step 420 includes updating thescreen 35, 460, and/or 465.

Turning back to FIG. 4F and after the step 335 (shown in FIG. 4D), theRAF application 15 performs a route/cost-index analysis at step 425.

At the step 430, the RAF application 15 checks for dispatchercompliance.

At the step 435, the RAF application 15 checks for flight crewcompliance.

At the step 440, the RAF application 15 generates a message ofnon-compliance to flight departure if needed. In some embodiments, themessage is sent via an email address, via a text alert, via a pushnotification, via an electronic chat box, and/or via another type ofpop-up window on a GUI.

At the step 445, the RAF application 15 performs an irregularoperations/delay/cancellation analysis. As noted above, the RAFapplication 15 analyzes the origination of the delay and/orcancellation.

At the step 450, the RAF application 15 prepares debrief/root caseanalysis and save it as a lesson-learned.

At the step 455, the RAF application 15 triggers an alarm to the networkregarding the planning/flight/station if occurrence is greater than 3times over a predetermined period.

In some embodiments, the step 335 and/or the step 420 include updatingany one or more of the screens 35, 460, 46, and 650.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-9 , a method 900 of operating the system 10includes receiving a first user identifier and a first authenticationidentifier at step 905; displaying a first window associated with afirst application at step 910; receiving a first user input associatedwith a first user request at step 915; accessing a second and thirdapplication at step 920; displaying a listing of flights on the firstwindow at step 925; receiving a second user input associated with asecond user request via the first window at step 930; displaying viasecond window a draft electronic report based on the second user requestat step 935; receiving instruction to distribute the report at step 940;and distributing the report at step 945.

At the step 905, the first user identifier and first authenticationidentifier are received by the system. In some embodiments, the step 905is identical to the step 202.

At the step 910, the first window associated with a first application isdisplayed on the GUI. In some embodiments, the first window is thewindow 35.

At the step 915, a first user input associated with a first user requestis received. In some embodiments, the first user input is the selectionof button 595 to update the listing of flights 590. As such and in someembodiments, the first user request is an updated listing of flights590. However, selection of the button 595 also automatically updates thescreens 460 and 465, which are accessible via different tabs. That is,the selection of the button 595 is an instruction or request to updatethe screens 35, 460, and 465.

At the step 920, a second and third application are accessed. Generally,the second and third applications are two or more of the one or moreapplications 25 and are accessed in order to satisfy or fulfill therequest received at the step 925. As such, the second and thirdapplications are access in response to receiving the request at the step915. In some embodiments, the RAF application 15 accesses two or moreapplications within the one or more applications 25 when updating thescreens 35, 460, and 465.

At the step 925, the updated listing of flights 590 is displayed on thefirst window. Generally, the updated listing of flights 590 is displayedon the screen 35 and is updated to display the information accessedwithin the second and third applications.

At the step 930, a second user input associated with a second userrequest is received. In some embodiments, the second user input isassociated with the button 600 being selected by the user 40. That is atthe step 930, the RAF application 15 receives an indication that thebutton 600 has been selected. Generally, when the button 600 has beenselected, the second user request is the creation of a draft delayreport, as illustrated in FIG. 8 .

At the step 935, a draft electronic report based on the second userrequest is displayed. In some embodiments, the draft electronic reportis the report 70 illustrated in FIG. 8 and is displayed via the screen650.

At the step 940, the RAF application 15 receives an instruction todistribute the report 70. In some embodiments, the step 940 includes theRAF application 15 receiving an indication that the button 655 has beenselected by the user 40.

At the step 945 and in response to the receipt of the instruction todistribute the report 70, the RAF application 15 distributes the report70. In some embodiments, the step 945 is identical or similar to thestep 347.

During the method 200 and/or 900, the RAF application 15 accesses avariety of applications that are different from the first applicationand that is different from the RAF application 15. Generally, the RAFapplication 15 accesses the another application regardless of whetherthe user has provided his or her user identifier and user authenticationidentifier associated with that application. That is, even while theanother application requires a user identifier and user authenticationidentifier for the user to access information directly, the RAFapplication 15 access the information within the another applicationwithout the user having to log into the another application.

In an example embodiment, the method 200 and/or the method 900 is amethod of supporting airline flight operations. In several exampleembodiments, the airline is a commercial airline. In several exampleembodiments, the airline flight operations are, include, or are part of,a commercial airline's international flagship departures, which aremonitored and tracked for the day of operation by executing one or moresteps of the method 200 and/or the method 900.

In several example embodiments, execution of one or more steps of themethod 200 and/or the method 900 enables an airline to follow up on, forexample, all international flagship departures for the day of operation,monitoring and tracking the at least the following items: flight status;delay status; equipment swap; out-of-service equipment status (OTS);pilot legalities tracking (MOT); generation of ready-to-send automatedreport(s) for airline flights with operational issues; illustration ofstatus of remains-over-night (RON)/curfew/slotted airports/flights.

In several example embodiments, the use of the screens 35, 460, and 465allows for a visual comparison, among a number of flights, regarding theseverity of a problem with each flight. That is, providing a visualindicator of a red highlighted cell in one column when the other cellsin that column are not highlighted red quickly allows the user 40 todetermine that the red highlighted cell has a much more severe problemthan the other cells in that column. In some embodiments, the RAFapplication 15 can rank the flights in the listing of flights 590 byseverity and display the ranked listing of flights 590.

In several example embodiments, execution of one or more steps of themethod 200 and/or 900 enables personnel such as a sector manager, who istasked to make airline flight operation decisions, to make operationallyefficient decisions by, for example, reviewing the screens 35, 460,and/or 465, which are updated dynamically and automatically, and mayalso be updated on demand by selecting the “update” button 595. As aresult, in several example embodiments, the most recent updates to theairline flights, or the listing of flights 590 in some embodiments,being monitored are captured with the stroke of a key. In severalexample embodiments, the screens 35, 460, and/or 465 include color-codedcells, which only highlight the airline flights with real issues—if aflight does not have an issue, there are no highlight(s) associated withthat flight.

In several example embodiments, execution of one or more steps of themethod 200 and/or 900 enables an automatic route analysis of differentoptions, enabling the identification of the best options available atany point in time based on, for example, aircraft crew availability,airport information, passenger information, cargo information, one ormore other items, or any combination thereof.

In an example embodiment, for an airline flight from Dallas-Ft. Worth toFrankfurt, Germany, a designated aircraft may be out of service, and theflight may be in jeopardy of losing its crew due to, for example, FAArules; execution of one or more steps of the method 200 and/or 900results in the changing of the aircraft for the airline flight. As suchand when the RAF application 15 directly updates flight cancellationstatus or otherwise implements the new option selected, the RAFapplication 15 controls the movement of aircraft within the aircraftfleet 45. In several example embodiments, execution of one or more stepsof the method 200 and/or the method 900 results in the automaticidentification of flights with lengthy delays and/or possible canceledflights.

In several example embodiments, execution of one or more steps of themethod 200 and/or 900 results in automatic notification(s) being sent tocomputing devices located remotely from the location of the computingdevice(s) executing the one or more steps of the method 200 and/or themethod 900. For example, automatic notifications may be sent to adispatcher, one or more domestic and/or foreign airports, etc. Inseveral example embodiments, the automatic notifications may includerecommendations, with such recommendations involving, for example, (1)canceling a flight (and possibly the cost associated therewith); (2)delaying a flight (and possibly the cost associated therewith); and (3)ferrying an aircraft to be used by a flight (and possibly the costassociated therewith).

In several example embodiments, execution of one or more steps of themethod 200 and/or 900 enables a sector manager (or other personnel) toforgo checking several Sabre entries such as, but not limited to, tailswap, flight status, crew MOT, out of service status, if the airlineflight is slotted, if there is a curfew at the destination airport, etc.Instead, in several example embodiments, execution of one or more stepsof the method 200 results in the continuous and automatic scanning ofall of the airline flights being monitored (e.g., 250+ flights), and theautomatic and immediate capture or identification of problem airlineflights. As such, the displays on screens 35, 460, 465, 650 and thefunction of the buttons 595, 600, and 655 improves the functioning ofthe computer 20. That is, the requirement for displaying a user loginscreen and sub screens and/or file folders of an application within theone or more applications 25 on the output device 20 f and inputtinglogin information and searching commands is eliminated, reduces theprocessing load compared to the computer 20 needing to present loginscreens and sub screens and/or file folders and receiving input commandsrelating to the searching. Reducing the processing load of the computer20 generally improves the performance of the computer 20 such that theavailable memory of the computer 20 is increased, the processingcapacity of the computer 20 is increased therefore making the computer20 operate more efficiently, and the processing speed of the computer 20is increased. Thus, the RAF application 15 improves the functioning ofthe computer 20 itself. That is, the system 10 results in specificimprovements in computer capabilities (i.e., reduction of requiredmemory and reduction of processing load).

Using the system 10 and/or completing at least a portion of the method200 or 900 also provides an improvement to the technical field of datamanagement. Conventionally, users (e.g., employees) are required tonavigate through multiple screens in various systems to obtaininformation or at least identify a document in which desired informationis stored. Even when the user 40 finds a document containing the desiredinformation using conventional searching, the user 40 is required tonavigate through the document to find the desired information. Thus, theuser 40 is required to often read through multiple documents to find thecorrect answer. This opening and searching through documents increasesthe processing load of the computer 20.

Moreover, for conventional methods within the technical field of datamanagement, if it is determined that an application should display newdata points, then the application must ingest data into its back-endsystem. Changes are then required in the front-end system of theapplication. Only then will the new data points be available to a userusing the application. Using the RAF application 15, however, when auser needs to access new data points, the RAF application 15 queriessource system of the data to get the information needed to generate thereports and avoids the ingestion of data, and no changes are needed tothe front-end system of the application, as is required in conventionalmethods.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11 with continuingreference to FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4F, and 5-10 , an illustrative computingdevice, or node, for implementing one or more of the example embodimentsdescribed above and/or illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4F, and 5-10 isdepicted. The node includes a microprocessor, an input device, a storagedevice, a video controller, a system memory, a display, and acommunication device, all of which are interconnected by one or morebuses. In several example embodiments, the storage device may include afloppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form ofstorage device, and/or any combination thereof. In several exampleembodiments, the storage device may include, and/or be capable ofreceiving, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form ofcomputer-readable medium that may contain executable instructions. Inseveral example embodiments, the communication device may include amodem, network card, or any other device to enable the node tocommunicate with other nodes. In several example embodiments, any noderepresents a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet orInternet) computer systems, including without limitation, personalcomputers, mainframes, PDAs, smartphones and cell phones.

In several example embodiments, one or more of the components of thesystems described above and/or illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4F, and 5-10include at least the node of FIG. 11 and/or components thereof, and/orone or more nodes that are substantially similar to the node of FIG. 11and/or components thereof. In several example embodiments, one or moreof the above-described components of the node of FIG. 11 , the method ofFIGS. 4A-4F and 10 include respective pluralities of same components.

In several example embodiments, one or more of the applications,systems, and application programs described above and/or illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, 4A-4F, and 5-10 include a computer program that includes aplurality of instructions, data, and/or any combination thereof; anapplication written in, for example, Arena, HyperText Markup Language(HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, Extensible MarkupLanguage (XML), asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax), and/or anycombination thereof; a web-based application written in, for example,Java or Adobe Flex, which in several example embodiments pulls real-timeinformation from one or more servers, automatically refreshing withlatest information at a predetermined time increment; or any combinationthereof.

In several example embodiments, a computer system typically includes atleast hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, aswell as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readableinstructions) that produce a desired result. In several exampleembodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware andsoftware, as well as computer sub-systems.

In several example embodiments, hardware generally includes at leastprocessor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known aspersonal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (suchas smart phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs),or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In several exampleembodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable ofstoring machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other datastorage devices. In several example embodiments, other forms of hardwareinclude hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems,modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.

In several example embodiments, software includes any machine codestored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code storedon other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, forexample). In several example embodiments, software may include source orobject code. In several example embodiments, software encompasses anyset of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, forexample, on a client machine or server.

In several example embodiments, combinations of software and hardwarecould also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performancefor certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exampleembodiment, software functions may be directly manufactured into asilicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations ofhardware and software are also included within the definition of acomputer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure aspossible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

In several example embodiments, computer readable mediums include, forexample, passive data storage, such as a random access memory (RAM) aswell as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read onlymemory (CD-ROM). One or more example embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform astandard computer into a new specific computing machine. In severalexample embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of datathat may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exampleembodiment, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or anorganization of executable code.

In several example embodiments, any networks and/or one or more portionsthereof may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In anexample embodiment, one or more portions of any networks may be executedon a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, widearea networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wirelessdevices and networks.

In several example embodiments, a database may be any standard orproprietary database software. In several example embodiments, thedatabase may have fields, records, data, and other database elementsthat may be associated through database specific software. In severalexample embodiments, data may be mapped. In several example embodiments,mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another dataentry. In an example embodiment, the data contained in the location of acharacter file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In severalexample embodiments, the physical location of the database is notlimiting, and the database may be distributed. In an example embodiment,the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separateplatform. In an example embodiment, the database may be accessibleacross the Internet. In several example embodiments, more than onedatabase may be implemented.

In several example embodiments, a plurality of instructions stored on acomputer readable medium may be executed by one or more processors tocause the one or more processors to carry out or implement in whole orin part the above-described operation of each of the above-describedexample embodiments of system(s), method(s), and/or any combinationthereof. In several example embodiments, such a processor may includeone or more of the microprocessor of the node of FIG. 11 , anyprocessor(s) that are part of the components of any system(s) thatexecute in whole or in part above-described method(s), and/or anycombination thereof, and such a computer readable medium may bedistributed among one or more components of the system(s). In severalexample embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality ofinstructions in connection with a virtual computer system. In severalexample embodiments, such a plurality of instructions may communicatedirectly with the one or more processors, and/or may interact with oneor more operating systems, middleware, firmware, other applications,and/or any combination thereof, to cause the one or more processors toexecute the instructions.

The present disclosure introduces a method of displaying an electronicreport on a graphical user interface (“GUI”) of a computer, the methodcomprising: receiving, by one or more processors, a first useridentifier and a first authentication identifier; wherein the first useridentifier and the first authentication identifier are associated with auser of the computer gaining direct access to a first application; inresponse to receiving the first user identifier and the firstauthentication identifier, displaying, on the GUI, a first window thatis associated with the first application; displaying, on the GUI and viathe first window, a listing of monitored airline flights; afterdisplaying the first window, receiving by the one or more processors andvia the first window, a first user input associated with a request;accessing, using the one or more processors and the first application, asecond application and a third application, with each of the firstapplication and the second application being different from each otherand the first application; updating the displayed listing of monitoredairline flights using information accessed from the second applicationand the third application; wherein a first airline flight in the listingof monitored airline flights has a delay that is greater than two hours;receiving, by the one or more processors and via the first window, asecond user input associated with a request for the electronic reportfor the first airline flight; and displaying, on the GUI and via asecond window, the electronic report for the first airline flight;wherein the electronic report for the first airline flight includesinformation from each of the second application and the thirdapplication. In one embodiment, the first application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of the first useridentifier and the first authentication identifier to allow the user togain access to the first application; wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to the receipt of the first user identifier andthe first authentication identifier by the one or more processors, theuser gaining access to information within the first application; whereinthe second application is configured to require receipt, by the one ormore processors, of a second user identifier and a second authenticationidentifier to allow the user to gain direct access to information withinthe second application; wherein the third application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of a third useridentifier and a third authentication identifier to allow the user togain direct access to information within the third application; andwherein the first application displays information from the secondapplication and the third application on the first window and the secondwindow before the one or more processors receives the second useridentifier, the second authentication identifier, the third useridentifier, and the third authentication identifier. In one embodiment,the first application displays, in the second window, information fromthe second application and the third application without the usergaining direct access to the second application and the thirdapplication. In one embodiment, displaying, on the first window,information from the second application and the third applicationwithout the user gaining direct access to the second application and thethird application reduces a processing load on the computer. In oneembodiment, the method also includes identifying, by the one or moreprocessors and using the first application, a first cost indexassociated with the first airline flight; wherein the first cost indexis a function of a ratio of a cost of the delay to a cost of fuelassociated with a duration of the first airline flight; determining, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, a number ofcustomers impacted by the delay of the first airline flight to updatethe cost of the delay; and creating, by the one or more processors andusing the first application, a second cost index to reflect the cost ofthe delay based on the number of customers impacted by the delay. In oneembodiment, the method further includes: determining, by the one or moreprocessors and using the first application, a number of customersimpacted by a reduced delay of the first airline flight; and reducing,by the one or more processors and using the first application, theduration of the first airline flight to shorten the delay to the reduceddelay thereby reducing the number of customers impacted by the delay. Inone embodiment, the method also includes automatically updating, by theone or more processors and using the first application, a flight plan ofthe first airline flight to include the reduced duration of the firstairline flight. In one embodiment, the method also includes receiving,by the one or more processors and via the second window, a third userinput associated with a comment to be added to the electronic report tocreate a final electronic report; and receiving, by the one or moreprocessors and via the second window, a fourth user input associatedwith a request to transmit the final electronic report to another uservia another computer. In one embodiment, the method also includesproviding, using the first application, a visual indicator on the firstwindow when the first airline flight has a delay that is greater thantwo hours. In one embodiment, the duration of the delay is displayed asa number on the first window and wherein the visual indicator comprisesa color displayed behind the number. In one embodiment, the method alsoincludes determining, by the one or more processors and using the firstapplication, a root cause of the delay based on the electronic reportfor the first airline flight.

The present disclosure introduces an apparatus adapted to display anelectronic report on a graphical user interface (“GUI”) of a computer,the apparatus comprising: a non-transitory computer readable mediumhaving stored thereon a plurality of instructions, wherein theinstructions are executed with at least one processor so that thefollowing steps are executed: receiving, by one or more processors, afirst user identifier and a first authentication identifier; wherein thefirst user identifier and the first authentication identifier areassociated with a user of the computer gaining direct access to a firstapplication; in response to receiving the first user identifier and thefirst authentication identifier, displaying, on the GUI, a first windowthat is associated with the first application; displaying, on the GUIand via the first window, a listing of monitored airline flights; afterdisplaying the first window, receiving by the one or more processors andvia the first window, a first user input associated with a request;accessing, using the one or more processors and the first application, asecond application and a third application, with each of the firstapplication and the second application being different from each otherand the first application; updating the displayed listing of monitoredairline flights using information accessed from the second applicationand the third application; wherein a first airline flight in the listingof monitored airline flights has a delay that is greater than two hours;receiving, by the one or more processors and via the first window, asecond user input associated with a request for the electronic reportfor the first airline flight; and displaying, on the GUI and via asecond window, the electronic report for the first airline flight;wherein the electronic report for the first airline flight includesinformation from each of the second application and the thirdapplication. In one embodiment, the first application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of the first useridentifier and the first authentication identifier to allow the user togain access to the first application; wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to the receipt of the first user identifier andthe first authentication identifier by the one or more processors, theuser gaining access to information within the first application; whereinthe second application is configured to require receipt, by the one ormore processors, of a second user identifier and a second authenticationidentifier to allow the user to gain direct access to information withinthe second application; wherein the third application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of a third useridentifier and a third authentication identifier to allow the user togain direct access to information within the third application; andwherein the first application displays information from the secondapplication and the third application on the first window and the secondwindow before the one or more processors receives the second useridentifier, the second authentication identifier, the third useridentifier, and the third authentication identifier. In one embodiment,the first application displays, on the second window, information fromthe second application and the third application without the usergaining direct access to the second application and the thirdapplication In one embodiment, displaying, on the first window,information from the second application and the third applicationwithout the user gaining direct access to the second application and thethird application reduces a processing load on the computer. In oneembodiment, the instructions are executed with at least one processor sothat the following further steps are executed: Identifying, by the oneor more processors and using the first application, a first cost indexassociated with the first airline flight; wherein the first cost indexis a function of a ratio of a cost of the delay to a cost of fuelassociated with a duration of the first airline flight; determining, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, a number ofcustomers impacted by the delay of the first airline flight to updatethe cost of the delay; and creating, by the one or more processors andusing the first application, a second cost index to reflect the cost ofthe delay based on the number of customers impacted by the delay. In oneembodiment, the instructions are executed with at least one processor sothat the following further step is executed: determining, by the one ormore processors and using the first application, a number of customersimpacted by a reduced delay of the first airline flight; and reducing,by the one or more processors and using the first application, theduration of the first airline flight to shorten the delay to the reduceddelay thereby reducing the number of customers impacted by the delay. Inone embodiment, the instructions are executed with at least oneprocessor so that the following further step is executed: updating, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, a flightplan of the first flight to include the reduced duration of the firstairline flight. In one embodiment, the instructions are executed with atleast one processor so that the following further steps are executed:receiving, by the one or more processors and via the second window, athird user input associated with a comment to be added to the electronicreport to create a final electronic report; and receiving, by the one ormore processors and via the second window, a fourth user inputassociated with request to transmit the final electronic report toanother user via another computer. In one embodiment, the instructionsare executed with at least one processor so that the following furtherstep is executed: providing, by the one or more processors and using thefirst application, a visual indicator on the first window when the firstairline flight has a delay that is greater than two hours. In oneembodiment, the duration of the delay is displayed as a number on thefirst window and wherein the visual indicator comprises a colordisplayed behind the number. In one embodiment, the instructions areexecuted with at least one processor so that the following further stepis executed: determining, by the one or more processors and using thefirst application, a root cause of the delay based on the electronicreport for the first airline flight.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, insteadof, or in addition to transportation transactions often conducted in thecourse of airline industry business, aspects of the present disclosureare applicable and/or readily adaptable to transportation transactionsconducted in other industries, including rail, bus, cruise and othertravel or shipping industries, rental car industries, hotels and otherhospitality industries, entertainment industries, and other industries.In an example embodiment, aspects of the present disclosure are readilyapplicable and/or readily adaptable to a shipping travel leg in which aship travels from one port to one or more other ports. In an exampleembodiment, aspects of the present disclosure are readily applicableand/or readily adaptable to a trucking travel leg during which a trucktravels from one city to one or more other cities. In an exampleembodiment, aspects of the present disclosure are readily applicableand/or readily adaptable to a rail travel leg during which a traintravels from one city or station to one or more other cities orstations. In an example embodiment, aspects of the present disclosureare applicable and/or readily adaptable to a wide variety oftransportation transactions such as, for example, an airline sequence oritinerary (i.e., a plurality of airline flights), a travel leg of anairline sequence or itinerary (i.e., a single airline flight), anairline block, and/or any combination thereof.

In several example embodiments, the elements and teachings of thevarious illustrative example embodiments may be combined in whole or inpart in some or all of the illustrative example embodiments. Inaddition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the variousillustrative example embodiments may be omitted, at least in part,and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the otherelements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,”“below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,”“upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,”“right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,”“bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration onlyand do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structuredescribed above.

In several example embodiments, while different steps, processes, andprocedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more ofthe steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of theprocedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously,and/or sequentially. In several example embodiments, the steps,processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps,processes, and/or procedures.

In several example embodiments, one or more of the operational steps ineach embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, somefeatures of the present disclosure may be employed without acorresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of theabove-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in wholeor in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodimentsand/or variations.

Although several example embodiments have been described in detailabove, the embodiments described are examples only and are not limiting,and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many othermodifications, changes, and/or substitutions are possible in the exampleembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to be includedwithin the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover,it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, exceptfor those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” togetherwith an associated function.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of displaying an electronic report on agraphical user interface (“GUI”) of a computer, the method comprising:receiving, by one or more processors, a first user identifier and afirst authentication identifier; wherein the first user identifier andthe first authentication identifier are associated with a user of thecomputer gaining direct access to a first application; in response toreceiving the first user identifier and the first authenticationidentifier, displaying, on the GUI, a first window that is associatedwith the first application; displaying, on the GUI and via the firstwindow, a listing of monitored airline flights; receiving, by the one ormore processors and via the first window, a first user input associatedwith a request for an update of the listing of the monitored airlineflights; in response to receiving the request for the update of thelisting of the monitored airline flights, the first application accessesa second application and a third application, with each of the secondapplication and the third application being different from each otherand the first application; updating the displayed listing of themonitored airline flights using information accessed from the secondapplication and the third application; wherein a first airline flight inthe listing of monitored airline flights has a delay that is greaterthan two hours; receiving, by the one or more processors and via thefirst window, a second user input associated with a request for theelectronic report for the first airline flight; and displaying, on theGUI and via a second window that is associated with the firstapplication, the electronic report for the first airline flight; whereinthe electronic report for the first airline flight includes informationfrom each of the second application and the third application.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of the first useridentifier and the first authentication identifier to allow the user togain access to the first application; wherein the method furthercomprises, in response to the receipt of the first user identifier andthe first authentication identifier by the one or more processors, theuser gaining access to information within the first application; whereinthe second application is configured to require receipt, by the one ormore processors, of a second user identifier and a second authenticationidentifier to allow the user to gain direct access to information withinthe second application; wherein the third application is configured torequire receipt, by the one or more processors, of a third useridentifier and a third authentication identifier to allow the user togain direct access to information within the third application; andwherein the first application displays information from the secondapplication and the third application on the first window and the secondwindow before the one or more processors receive(s) the second useridentifier, the second authentication identifier, the third useridentifier, and the third authentication identifier.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the first application displays, on the second window,information from the second application and the third applicationwithout the user gaining direct access to the second application and thethird application.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein displaying, on thesecond window, information from the second application and the thirdapplication without the user gaining direct access to the secondapplication and the third application reduces a processing load on thecomputer.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, a first costindex associated with the first airline flight; wherein the first costindex is a function of a ratio of a cost of the delay to a cost of fuelassociated with a duration of the first airline flight; determining, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, a number ofcustomers impacted by the delay of the first airline flight to updatethe cost of the delay; and creating, by the one or more processors andusing the first application, a second cost index to reflect the cost ofthe delay based on the number of customers impacted by the delay.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising: determining, by the one or moreprocessors and using the first application, a number of customersimpacted by a reduced delay of the first airline flight; reducing, bythe one or more processors and using the first application, the durationof the first airline flight to shorten the delay to the reduced delaythereby reducing the number of customers impacted by the delay; andautomatically updating, by the one or more processors and using thefirst application, a flight plan of the first airline flight to includethe reduced duration of the first airline flight.
 7. The method of claim1, further comprising determining, by the one or more processors andusing the first application, a root cause of the delay based on theelectronic report for the first airline flight.
 8. The method of claim1, further comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors and viathe second window, a third user input associated with a comment to beadded to the electronic report to create a final electronic report; andreceiving, by the one or more processors and via the second window, afourth user input associated with a request to transmit the finalelectronic report to another user via another computer.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing, using the first application, avisual indicator on the first window when the first airline flight has adelay that is greater than two hours.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe duration of the delay is displayed as a number on the first windowand wherein the visual indicator comprises a color displayed behind thenumber.
 11. An apparatus adapted to display an electronic report on agraphical user interface (“GUI”) of a computer, the apparatuscomprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; and a pluralityof instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium,wherein the instructions are executed with at least one processor sothat the following steps are executed: receiving a first user identifierand a first authentication identifier; wherein the first user identifierand the first authentication identifier are associated with a user ofthe computer gaining direct access to a first application; in responseto receiving the first user identifier and the first authenticationidentifier, displaying, on the GUI, a first window that is associatedwith the first application; displaying, on the GUI and via the firstwindow, a listing of monitored airline flights; receiving, via the firstwindow, a first user input associated with a request for an update ofthe listing of the monitored airline flights; in response to receivingthe request for the update of the listing of the monitored airlineflights, the first application accesses a second application and a thirdapplication, with each of the second application and the thirdapplication being different from each other and the first application;updating the displayed listing of monitored airline flights usinginformation accessed from the second application and the thirdapplication; wherein a first airline flight in the listing of monitoredairline flights has a delay that is greater than two hours; receiving,via the first window, a second user input associated with a request forthe electronic report for the first airline flight; and displaying, onthe GUI and via a second window that is associated with the firstapplication, the electronic report for the first airline flight; whereinthe electronic report for the first airline flight includes informationfrom each of the second application and the third application.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the first application is configured torequire receipt of the first user identifier and the firstauthentication identifier to allow the user to gain access to the firstapplication; wherein the second application is configured to requirereceipt of a second user identifier and a second authenticationidentifier to allow the user to gain direct access to information withinthe second application; wherein the third application is configured torequire receipt of a third user identifier and a third authenticationidentifier to allow the user to gain direct access to information withinthe third application; and wherein the first application displaysinformation from the second application and the third application on thefirst window and the second window before the receipt of each of thesecond user identifier, the second authentication identifier, the thirduser identifier, and the third authentication identifier.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the first application displays, on thesecond window, information from the second application and the thirdapplication without the user gaining direct access to the secondapplication and the third application.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein displaying, on the second window, information from the secondapplication and the third application without the user gaining directaccess to the second application and the third application reduces aprocessing load on the computer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe instructions are executed with at least one processor so that thefollowing further steps are executed: identifying, using the firstapplication, a first cost index associated with the first airlineflight; wherein the first cost index is a function of a ratio of a costof the delay to a cost of fuel associated with a duration of the firstairline flight; determining, using the first application, a number ofcustomers impacted by the delay of the first airline flight to updatethe cost of the delay; and creating, using the first application, asecond cost index to reflect the cost of the delay based on the numberof customers impacted by the delay.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the instructions are executed with at least one processor sothat the following further steps are executed: determining, using thefirst application, a number of customers impacted by a reduced delay ofthe first airline flight; reducing, using the first application, theduration of the first airline flight to shorten the delay to the reduceddelay thereby reducing the number of customers impacted by the delay;and updating, using the first application, a flight plan of the firstflight to include the reduced duration of the first airline flight. 17.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are executed with atleast one processor so that the following further step is executed:determining, using the first application, a root cause of the delaybased on the electronic report for the first airline flight.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions are executed with atleast one processor so that the following further steps are executed:receiving, via the second window, a third user input associated with acomment to be added to the electronic report to create a finalelectronic report; and receiving, via the second window, a fourth userinput associated with request to transmit the final electronic report toanother user via another computer.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the instructions are executed with at least one processor sothat the following further step is executed: providing, using the firstapplication, a visual indicator on the first window when the firstairline flight has a delay that is greater than two hours.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the duration of the delay is displayed asa number on the first window and wherein the visual indicator comprisesa color displayed behind the number.
 21. The apparatus of claim 11,further comprising the computer.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, whereinthe computer comprises the non-transitory computer readable medium.